4. Brielle learns that there are ways to fight evil: prayer, worship, Scripture. Are you quick to recognize a spiritual attack? Do you know how to fight?
5. It seems the Throne Room is choosing to communicate with Brielle through her dreams. Do you think God uses dreams to talk to us? Do you have an example to share?
6. Brielle is a crier and she knows it. How do you respond to heartbreak? Do you get angry? Do you withdraw? Are you prone to tears like Brielle?
7. Marco's response to the halo is very different than Brielle's. Why do you think that is?
8. In the Celestial, worship is seen as smoke or incense, ribbons of color. What do you think worship looks like to God? What do you think it smells like?
9. One of the hardest things for Brielle to cope with is the fact that Jake lied to her. Do you find it difficult to forgive when you're lied to? What does the Bible say about forgiving others?
10. This series is full of imaginative descriptions of angels. What do you think angels look like? How are they described in Scripture?
11. The halo has given Brielle the ability to see the Celestial. It's given Jake the ability to heal. And thus far, it's given Marco horrible memories. If the halo was given to you, what gift do you think you'd receive? Is there a gift you'd prefer-or despise?
12. When Brielle uncovers the truth about her mother's death, it makes her question everything. Have you had a moment like that-a moment that shakes the very foundation of your world? How did you react? What advice would you give a friend walking through a similar situation?
Acknowledgments
There are so many amazing people who deserve my thanks. Friends and family who've invested in my stories and my journey. Your support means more than I could ever say. Please know I'm grateful.
I would like to give a huge shout-out to my church family at Living Way. You watched my kids, you covered my Sunday school classes, and you let me ditch when the deadlines got scary. You've also provided me with an amazing place to worship, something that shows up all over these novels. Without you, they wouldn't be what they are. Every time we gather together, I get to be surrounded by the incense of worship and I never leave unchanged. So, thank you. Your love and prayers mean the world.
Thanks to Becky and Jodi, to Katie and Ruthie, to Daisy and the rest of the team at Thomas Nelson Fiction. Your commitment to my work is staggering. I'm blessed to be working alongside you.
To my agent, Holly, and all the writers on Team Root, you rock. Your friendship keeps me sane and your stories remind me that words really can change the world.
I would also like to thank my husband, Matt. By the time this book hits shelves, we'll be finishing our tenth year of marriage. In every way, you've been my partner and my friend. And you're hot. So, I'm blessed. SHMILY.
And to my kids. Thank you, Justus, for letting me share my love of story with you. One of these days I really will let you read these books. And Jazlyn, thank you for doodling on all my index cards. You keep my days delightful and interesting. I love you both to infinity and beyond.